Lifespan Development

Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood

Chapter 7

Physical Changes

•Slows between the ages of 2 – 6 than in infancy.•Decline in appetite•Food aversions

•Motor Skills•Brain Lateralization

Physical Changes (cont)•Early childhood illnesses•Abuse & Neglect

•Definitions•Characteristics

•Age•Child Characteristics•Abuser Characteristics

Prevention•Identify Problem•Identify @ risk population

•Educate •Legislate•Enforce Laws

Cognitive Changes

•Piaget – Preoperational 18 – 24 mo.

•Criticisms/ Support of Piaget:•Conservation•Egocentrism•“Fooled by appearances”?

Language Changes

•0 – 2 Holophrases•2 – 3 Simple 2 word sentences

•3 – 4 Grammar Explosion

•Key Element in this process?

Differences in Intelligence

•IQ – Intelligence Quotient•Predictive Abilitiy (.5 - .6)•Limitations•Heredity•Environment•Racial Differences

Wechsler’s Intelligence Scales (WAIS – R, WISC – III)

• 11 Subtests• Verbal v. Performance• Normal Bell Curve